Xbox Maverick: Everything we know about Microsoft's disc-less Xbox One

Digital gaming continues to grow, shifting further from the days of discs and cartridges. Downloads have changed music, movies, and now games, with the promise of instant, on-demand access to the latest titles. And with the digital Xbox One ecosystem stronger than ever, Microsoft looks to debut its first disc-less console.
Here's what we know about this all-digital Xbox One, codenamed Maverick.

The Xbox One's upcoming disc-less iteration is currently tagged "Maverick," an internal codename for the project used at Microsoft. As first detailed by Thurrott, the console will reportedly rework the existing entry-level Xbox One S, further cutting manufacturing costs in pursuit of a lower price. It's one of the most ambitious shake-ups in Xbox history, cutting a once-essential component amid growing services and digital purchases.

Xbox Maverick will likely pack near-identical internals to the Xbox One S, including a potentially similar exterior, though forgoing the optical disc drive. Further non-essential gaming components could be cut in the process, although ideally not comprising the console's core gaming offerings. Microsoft has already experimented with condensing disc-less Xbox One S hardware into server blades for its Project xCloud streaming service, which may aid Maverick development.

Ultimately, Xbox Maverick should deliver a similar experience to the existing Xbox One S. Your existing digital Xbox One and Xbox 360 games will play on the console, with comparable features and performance. It will lower the price of entry for Xbox newcomers, rather than replacing the Xbox One S and Xbox One X. And if it releases, expect branding to fall in line with existing Xbox One models.

However, even with the debut of a digital-only console, Microsoft isn't abandoning physical discs entirely. Future revisions beyond Maverick are expected to retain the drive, with discs likely stocked into the coming years. Digital adoption is growing, but numerous flaws leave many adverse to the switch.

Driving downoads with disc-to-digital and digital attach

Microsoft hopes to encourage digital Xbox users by streamlining its offerings.
Alongside Xbox Maverick, Microsoft will reportedly debut two new programs aimed at streamlining digital purchases. The first is a "disc-to-digital" program, which will help existing Xbox users fully transition into the digital ecosystem. The pairs with a "digital attach" system targeted towards new Xbox buyers getting started with online services.

Microsoft's rumored disc-to-digital process is proving promising, shaking up digital adoption with a new trade-in program. The initiative will allow Xbox users to deposit existing disc-based titles at select retailers, in return for a digital license. It makes a move into digital easier, cheaper, and might sway those undecided. In the long-term, this would convert more players to the storefront, increasing digital adoption ahead of the next major console refresh.

Details have also surfaced on a checkout service for new console buyers, attaching their purchases directly to the console. Codenamed Roma, the project could allow Microsoft to pre-load consoles with services like Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass, further reducing the setup of a clean console.

Xbox Maverick release date and pricing

Without official word from Microsoft, details on Xbox Maverick and its availability are scarce. Current rumors indicate a release as early as spring of 2019, though should be taken lightly, given the pre-release nature of the project. Likely positioned as a low-cost entry to the Xbox One family, don't expect a grand reveal either.

With efforts focused on reducing the cost of Xbox One, reports indicate the console will drop to $199, or lower. That's a third off the existing Xbox One S, likely opening the console to a broader pool of casual gamers.

However, as with all pre-release projects, consider that Xbox Maverick may never hit store shelves. Internal plans can (and often) change, if Microsoft doesn't see it as a suitable addition to the Xbox lineup.

]]>Microsoft DiscussionRubeushttp://www.the-magicbox.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34198Yo-kai Watch 4 lets you switch between humans and yo-kai in battlehttp://www.the-magicbox.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34197&goto=newpost
Wed, 16 Jan 2019 06:37:04 GMThttps://gematsu.com/gallery/albums/yo-kai-watch-4/january-14-2019/Yo-kai-Watch-4_2019_01-14-19_005.jpg
---Quote---
*Yo-kai Watch 4 lets you switch between humans and yo-kai in battle
Playable at World Hobby Fair Winter 2019.*
Level-5 has released new information and screenshots of...Click for full size

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Yo-kai Watch 4 lets you switch between humans and yo-kai in battle

Playable at World Hobby Fair Winter 2019.

Level-5 has released new information and screenshots of Yo-kai Watch 4 ahead of its latest playable demo experience at World Hobby Fair Winter 2019, which will run from January 19 to 20 in Nagoya, January 26 to 27 in Tokyo, and February 17 to 18 in Osaka.

Get the details below.
New Illustration

Keita and company will be overwhelmed by tons of yo-kai from Yo-kai Watch: Shadowside that they have never seen before. Even yo-kai with the same names as Jibanyan, Whisper, and Komasan will appear with completely different and more terrifying appearances.

Multiple Worlds Cross Over

As depicted in the illustration above, multiple worlds will cross over in Yo-kai Watch 4. Keita will even fight against Shadowside‘s Mitsumata Nozuchi during the game. For more details, play this fight for yourself at World Hobby Fair Winter 2019.

—Shadowside’s Mitsumata Nozuchi appears!

—Is Keita absorbing Mitsumata Nozuchi’s eye!?

Humans Aren’t the Only Playable Characters

While previously revealed screenshots have shown human characters such as Touma and Keita participating in battle, humans are not the only playable characters—you can freely switch over to your party’s yo-kai as well. Skillfully switch between characters in battle to deal with the situation at hand.

Ninja Box will also be playable at World Hobby Fair Winter 2019, which runs from January 19, 2019 to 20 in Nagoya, January 26 to 27 in Tokyo, and February 17 to 18 in Osaka.

Build a “Secret Base!”

There are likely many who recall the child-like phrase that is “secret base.” Ninja Box, a brand new project from Bandai Namco Entertainment, is a game where you build your very own “secret base”—the only secret base of its kind—whether it is a “relaxing space” filled with only your favorite things, or a “giant fortress” big enough to get lost in.

There are always more games on the horizon, and now Microsoft has teased what's coming next for its portfolio. In a blog post, Microsoft offered what it called a "hot tease" of what fans can expect in the time ahead.

Starting with 2019 games, Xbox fans have titles like Crackdown 3, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, Gears 5, and Minecraft: Dungeons to look forward to. Of note, all of these games--and all future first-party titles from Microsoft--are included with the price of an Xbox Game Pass membership.

Also in 2019 Microsoft will release a significant new update for Sea of Thieves, called The Arena, which adds a competitive mode.

In addition to all of these games and the new Sea of Thieves expansion, Microsoft teased future releases from its studios around the world. Microsoft said delivering "new Microsoft technologies" is one part of the company's ambition going forward.

"And we can't wait to show you what all the Microsoft Studios development teams are working on. We’re focused on implementing new Microsoft technologies, delivering content for new platforms and services like Xbox Game Pass, and creating exclusive games that turn players into loyal Xbox fans," Microsoft said. "We are committed to expanding the Microsoft Studios franchises players already love and investing in new, exclusive content for every type of gamer. We're excited to see the teams maximize their potential at Microsoft and can't wait for what the future has in store."

Last year, Microsoft invested in its future by acquiring six studios and creating an all-new one. At E3, Microsoft announced that it acquired Playground Games (Forza Horizon), Compulsion Games (We Happy Few), Ninja Theory (Hellblade), and Undead Labs (State of Decay). At Microsoft's X018 event in Mexico City, Microsoft announced the acquisition of Obsidian Entertainment (Fallout: New Vegas) and inXile Entertainment (Wasteland 3). As for new studio, The Initiative is based in the Los Angeles area, and it's staffed by Red Dead Redemption's writer/designer and many other big names.

Outside of games, Microsoft is working on a game-streaming service that will let you play console-level Halo on your phone, while the company is also making a Halo TV show and a Gears of War movie. Additionally, Microsoft is working on multiple new Xbox consoles.

What games and technologies are you hoping to see from Microsoft in 2019? Let us know in the comments below!

]]>Microsoft DiscussionRubeushttp://www.the-magicbox.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34195A Second PS4 Game Now Supports Cross-Play With Xbox One And Switchhttp://www.the-magicbox.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34194&goto=newpost
Wed, 16 Jan 2019 06:29:28 GMTClick for full size

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A Second PS4 Game Now Supports Cross-Play With Xbox One And Switch
Rocket League is the second game to join PS4's cross-play beta.

Rocket League is now the second PS4 game to support cross-play with other consoles. Developer Psyonix announced that its hit vehicular soccer game has joined Sony's cross-play beta program, allowing players on PS4 to be matched up with those on Xbox One and Nintendo Switch.

According to Psyonix, cross-play will be enabled on PS4 by default, although players will be able to opt in or out of it by going to the Options menu and checking the Cross-Platform Play box in the Gameplay tab. When on, it will allow PS4 users to be randomly matched up with or against players on other platforms in Casual, Competitive, and Extra Modes.

Additionally, Psyonix says that it will implement a cross-platform party system in an upcoming update. More details about that will be shared "soon," but the feature will allow players to "partner up with friends on any platform with the push of a few buttons."

While Rocket League has already supported cross-play between PS4 and PC, Psyonix has long wanted to allow the feature with other consoles. Back in 2016, the developer said it had already figured out how to implement cross-play between PS4 and Xbox One, and all that needed to be done was work out an arrangement between platforms.

"The only thing we have to do now is sort of find out where we stand politically with everyone, and then it's full steam ahead to finish the solution that we've already started," Psyonix vice president Jeremy Dunham said at the time. "Technologically everything works, we've got it figured out, just a little bit of time to get everything up and running. Right now, excitement is the best way to put it. We just want to get in there and make it happen."

After years of preventing cross-network multiplayer between PS4 and other consoles, Sony loosened its rigid stance on the issue somewhat last September when it finally allowed cross-play in Fortnite. While Epic's battle royale game was the sole title to support the feature at the time, it was a welcome sign that Sony was reconsidering its controversial policy, saying it had "identified a path towards supporting cross-platform features for select third-party content."

"We recognize that PS4 players have been eagerly awaiting an update, and we appreciate the community's continued patience as we have navigated through this issue to find a solution," John Kodera, president of Sony Interactive Entertainment, said. "We see the beta as an opportunity to conduct thorough testing that ensures cross-platform play is best on PlayStation, while being mindful about the user experience from both a technical and social perspective."

Take-Two says RDR2's use of the Pinkerton name is just one of the many ways the game tries to be historically accurate.

In Red Dead Redemption 2's world, the Pinkerton Detective Agency, a team of detectives hunting down Arthur Morgan and the rest of the Van der Linde gang, is the main antagonist organisation. Now, the real-life Pinkerton company is taking action against Rockstar Games over the way in which Red Dead Redemption 2 uses its name. For its part, Take-Two is claiming fair use with respect to the Pinkerton name.

Court documents discovered by The Blast reveal that Pinkerton Consulting & Investigations--the real detective agency founded in 1850--has issued a cease and desist letter to Rockstar Games and Take-Two Interactive in December.

Pinkerton Consulting said Rockstar had a "clear affection" for Pinkerton by using the name in Red Dead Redemption 2. However, the consulting company took issue with its use in the title because it might have led people to believe the real Pinkerton was involved in the game's development. Pinkerton is demanding that Take-Two pay an unspecified lump sum fee or a share of royalties in the future.

On the other side, Take-Two says in response that its the use of Pinkertons in Red Dead Redemption 2 is protected under the First Amendment in the United States. "Put simply, [Pinkerton] cannot use trademark law to own the past and prevent creators from including historical references to Pinkerton agents in depictions of the American West," Take-Two said.

Take-Two fully acknowledges borrowing the Pinkerton name for Red Dead Redemption 2, but says it does is just one of the "myriad of ways that Red Dead 2 accurately portrays the historical Nineteenth Century American landscape."

The Pinkerton National Detective Agency was a real group that played a major role in American law enforcement in the Wild West in the late 1800s. The US government hired Pinkerton agents to track down people like Jesse James, Butch Cassidy, and the Sundance Kid. Take-Two also reminded Pinkerton that Red Dead Redemption 2 was not the first piece of new media to reference Pinkerton, as the movie The Long Riders, the TV show Deadwood, and the Elton John song "Ballad of a Well-Known Gun" all reference Pinkertons. In the 2013 game BioShock Infinite, the protagonist is a former Pinkerton agent.

Take-Two also points out that the Pinkertons, while a central part of Red Dead Redemption 2's story, only appear in 10 of the game's 106 missions. "The inclusion of Pinkertons in the Red Dead 2 story is neither excessive not exceptional," Take-Two argues.

"Creative works about the American West are permitted as a matter of law to include such real historical events, figures, and businesses," the company goes on to say. "Particularly where there is no likelihood that consumers will be confused about the source of the creative work, trademark owners should not be permitted to use trademark law to harass authors, chill speech, and diminish the historical tenor of works like Red Dead 2. Historical fiction--television, movies, plays, books, and games--would suffer greatly if trademark claims like [Pinkerton's] could even possibly succeed."

Take-Two said Pinkerton filed its complaint in part because it was trying to profit from Red Dead Redemption 2's enormous success. Indeed, the game is a huge hit; by Take-Two's latest count, it had shipped 17 million copies.

Take-Two requests that a judge knock down Pinkerton's request and deny a trial by jury. What's more, the video game company wants Pinkerton to pay Take-Two's legal fees and other expenses related to this case.

Approached for comment, Take-Two told GameSpot, "As a practice, we do not comment on legal matters." A representative for Pinkerton could not be reached at press time.

The open-world Star Wars game in development at EA Vancouver has been canceled. That's according to a new report from Kotaku that credits the information to three sources who reportedly have inside knowledge of the matter.

According to the report, EA Vancouver's Star Wars title was a "reboot" of the Star Wars project that Visceral Games was working on until EA closed that studio in 2017. EA Vancouver continued to use some of the assets from Visceral's game, but transitioned the title to become an open-world experience, Kotaku reported.

Executive Patrick Soderlund, who has since left EA, previously confirmed that Visceral's Star Wars game was a "story-based, linear adventure game." However, responding to market trends and player feedback, EA decided to "pivot" the design to make it a title that players could "come back to and enjoy for a long time to come," which suggested it was becoming more multiplayer-focused. At the same time, Soderlund announced that EA Vancouver would lead development on this title and that it was also delayed. Now, it is canceled outright, apparently.

The Star Wars game Visceral had in development was being headed up by Uncharted veteran Amy Hennig. She said it may be "spiritually similar" to Uncharted but that it will also be its own thing. Hennig has since left EA altogether.

EA did not respond to GameSpot's request for comment at press time, but keep checking back with us for the latest.

While EA Vancouver's Star Wars game may be canceled, the publisher continues its work on a third-person Star Wars action game, Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order, from Titanfall studio Respawn Entertainment.

Kotaku also reported that EA Vancouver's Star Wars game was very early in development and that no jobs were lost as a result of the reported cancellation. The game was said to put you in the shoes of a "scoundrel or bounty hunter" who hopped around different open-world planets. As for why the game was supposedly canceled, sources said EA management wanted to launch something on the more immediate horizon. As a result, EA is now reportedly working on a smaller-scale Star Wars game to launch in late 2020.

In 2013, EA signed a multi-year, multi-title deal with Disney for Star Wars video games. That licensing contract was said to run for 10 years, so it may expire in 2023 unless the terms were adjusted without being discussed publicly.

EA previously found itself embroiled in Star Wars controversy when Star Wars: Battlefront II's microtransactions made headlines and led to wider discussions from governments around the world about loot boxes in video games.

lol and people were mad over Nintendo vs youtubers. I can't wait to see how this makes the fanbase explode.
]]>Community Boardspider-primehttp://www.the-magicbox.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34191Jump Force PS4 and Xbox One open beta set for January 18-20, 17 playable charactershttp://www.the-magicbox.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34190&goto=newpost
Fri, 11 Jan 2019 06:05:44 GMTImage: https://gematsu.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/JF-Open-Beta_01-10-19.jpg
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*Jump Force PS4 and Xbox One open beta set for January 18 to 20
17 playable characters, five stages.*
Bandai Namco will host an open beta for Jump Force from January 18 to 20, the company...

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Jump Force PS4 and Xbox One open beta set for January 18 to 20

17 playable characters, five stages.

Bandai Namco will host an open beta for Jump Force from January 18 to 20, the company announced.

Here are the details:

Gameplay Sessions

Session #1 – January 18 from 7:00 a.m. ET to 10:00 a.m. ET

Session #2 – January 19 from 12:00 a.m. ET to 3:00 a.m. ET

Session #3 – January 19 from 11:00 a.m. ET to 2:00 p.m. ET

Session #4 – January 20 from 3:00 p.m. ET to 6:00 p.m. ET

17 Playable Characters

Monkey D. Luffy

Himura Kenshin

Vegeta

Frieza

Blackbeard

Younger Toguro

Hisoka

Gon

Sasuke

Pegasus Seiya

Goku

Roronoa Zoro

Yusuke Urameshi

Ichigo Kurosaki

Rukia Kuchiki

Kenshiro

Naruto

Five Playable Stages

Mexico

Namek

Matterhorn

Hong Kong

New York

Jump Force is due out for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on February 14 in Japan, and PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC on February 15 in the Americas and Europe.

]]>General Gaming DiscussionRubeushttp://www.the-magicbox.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34190Final Fatnasy X/X-2/XII for Xbox One and Switch launchs in Aprilhttp://www.the-magicbox.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34189&goto=newpost
Fri, 11 Jan 2019 06:03:16 GMTSwitch version of FFXII maybe good to pick up.
Image: https://gematsu.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Final-Fantasy-XII-The-Zodiac-Age_2019_01-10-19_001.jpg
---Quote---
*Final Fantasy X | X-2 HD Remaster for Xbox One and Switch launches April 16, Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age launches...Switch version of FFXII maybe good to pick up.

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Final Fantasy X | X-2 HD Remaster for Xbox One and Switch launches April 16, Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age launches April 30

Plus new artwork by Akihiko Yoshida.

Final Fantasy X | X-2 HD Remaster will launch for Xbox One and Switch on April 16, followed by Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age on April 30, publisher Square Enix announced.

To commemorate the announcement for Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age, Square Enix has also unveiled a new artwork by artist Akihiko Yoshida.

Click for full size

Final Fantasy X | X-2 HD Remaster is currently available for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, PS Vita, and PC, while Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is currently available for PlayStation 4 and PC.

Find an overview of each game below.

About Final Fantasy X | X-2 HD Remaster

Final Fantasy X | X-2 HD Remaster contains Final Fantasy X and its sequel Final Fantasy X-2, renowned as some of the most popular titles in the whole Final Fantasy series for their emotional stories and stunning graphical quality. Final Fantasy X follows the story of superstar athlete Tidus, whose fate intertwines with the beautiful summoner Yuna as they embark on a pilgrimage to save the world of Spira. Final Fantasy X-2 takes place two years later, following the stories of Yuna, Rikku and Paine in their exciting adventures to uncover ancient secrets and overcome powerful enemies. Having shipped over 14 million units worldwide to date, Final Fantasy X | X-2 HD Remaster invites new players to discover a stunning RPG adventure you will never forget.

About Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age

Based on the 12th numbered entry in the smash hit Final Fantasy series that has sold over 6 million units worldwide, Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age has re-worked the game’s design and re-mastered their visuals in full-HD, making full use of current generation hardware capabilities to improve the graphical and audio quality for the ultimate play experience. Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age takes place in the breath-taking world of Ivalice, where magic is commonplace and airships fill the sky. The small kingdom of Dalmasca is caught between warring empires Archadia and Rozarria, and the lone heir to the Dalmascan throne, Princess Ashe has devoted herself to forming a resistance to liberate her homeland. The story begins when Ashe meets Vaan, a young thief who dreams of flying free in the skies, as their adventure changes the destiny of the world’s greatest nations.

Bungie and Activision are parting ways after entering a publishing agreement in 2010, with Bungie maintaining publishing rights to the Destiny franchise.

Bungie made the announcement through Bungie.net today. In the official statement, Bungie says, "With Activision, we created something special. To date, Destiny has delivered a combination of over 50 million games and expansions to players all around the world."

Following this eight-year run, Activision has transferred publishing rights for Destiny to Bungie, allowing the developer to fully control and publish its own property. Bungie further stated, "With our remarkable Destiny community, we are ready to publish on our own, while Activision will increase their focus on owned IP projects."

The planned transition process is already underway in its early stages, with Bungie and Activision both reportedly committed to making sure the handoff is as seamless as possible. Bungie says it has learned a lot from Forsaken, Destiny 2’s latest major expansion, and has assured fans that more is on the way and it will continue down the path of the existing Destiny roadmap. This will include more seasonal experiences in the upcoming months.

Thank you Guardians. It’s been an honor and a privilege to help bring the world of Destiny to life for you. pic.twitter.com/EB1y19OTD8

— Activision (@Activision) January 10, 2019

Blizzard Customer Service also confirmed on Twitter that Destiny 2 will continue to receive full support on BattleNet for PC players, and that no service or gameplay disruptions are expected. What else is in store for Destiny 2 beyond the current roadmap is unknown, but it’s possible Bungie will aim to publish a third Destiny game on its own in the future. Following the announcement, Destiny 2 director Luke Smith tweeted out the line “Guardians make their own fate,” a famous quote from the original game.

This publishing partnership first produced the original Destiny in 2014, and later Destiny 2 in 2017. It’s possible this split was made possible after Destiny 2 had reportedly not performed as well as Activision had hoped, though Bungie is likely happy to have regained its publishing autonomy regardless.

Last year, Bungie announced a partnership with the Chinese tech giant NetEase to "explore new directions" and "build new worlds,” suggesting this split from Activision has been in the works for quite some time.

Bungie and Activision originally entered a publishing partnership in April 2010. At the time, a 10-year exclusive publishing deal was announced, though Bungie has maintained its independence as a studio outside of this.

Prior to this agreement, Bungie left Microsoft in 2007 in order to become an independent company, ultimately leaving publishing rights for Halo in Microsoft’s control.

Devil May Cry 5 director Hideaki Itsuno shared a few new tidbits of information about the game during a media showcase event in South Korea, including the game’s estimated length.

Here are the tidbits:

Why is the story set after Devil May Cry 2?

The reason it is set after Devil May Cry 2 can be understood by playing the game.

What was difficult about using the RE Engine?

Since the RE Engine was originally created for Resident Evil 7: biohazard, it was difficult to implement the violent action of Devil May Cry. We focused on upgrading the engine’s processing speed and performance.

There are three protagonists, so how long will the game take to complete?

The development team took about 15 to 16 hours to clear the game.

The visuals are similar to DmC Devil May Cry, but what is the future of that series?

It might look that way since we were shooting for photo realism, but we were actually aiming for something Hollywood movie-esque like The Avengers. As for the future of DmC Devil May Cry, that is difficult to say.

Will there be additional playable characters

If a lot of users request it, we may add more playable characters.

Are there hidden places, items, enemies, and powerful monsters?

There are a few hidden weapons.

Devil May Cry 5 is due out for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC on March 8. A demo is due out for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on February 7.

From Software says Sekiro will be 'very much its own thing,' include a pause

Pause Souls

In a recent interview with Game Informer, From Software's Yasuhiro Kitao was asked some questions about the upcoming Sekiro: Shadow Die Twice, specifically with regards to its lack of multiplayer. Kitao stressed that instead of trying to recreate the Souls experience, Sekiro will be a completely separate experience. The studio's patented asynchronous multiplayer may return in future titles, but it won't be anywhere near Sekiro.

"We love to create our own characters just as much as everyone else," Kitao said. "We hope players are looking forward to something in the future where we might go back to that, but for now, Sekiro is very much its own thing." Instead of dumbing things down, the lack of multiplayer allowed From Software to push the level design farther. Without having to compensate for multiple players, the designers were allowed to go wild and hone in on the single-player experience.

"It allows us to hone in on the player experience, capitalize on that lack of restriction, and let our imagination run wild in these places," Kitao says. To that end, Sekiro will be the first From Software game in a long time to feature a pause button! That should be mega useful for some players.

Shenmue 3 is allegedly bigger than its two predecessors, described as a 'more hardcore game'

Right on

While a lot of people are worried about how Shenmue 3 is going to turn out, this new interview with series creator Yu Suzuki really talks the talk.

Suzuki basically uses the interview to dispel the notion that we're getting a smaller Shenmue experience, noting that as opposed to the originals which were a "one week game," this is a "multi-week game" with a richer world and more to do. While specifics weren't given, note that the original duo had a roughly 25-hour long story each, and Suzuki is saying Shenmue 3 will be bigger.

He also confirms the return of forklift minigames, on top of capsule toys, Excite QTE and Lucky Hit. Side quests are also more integrated into the story itself and are less gaiden oriented, perhaps contributing to the extended length. Suzuki says this is something he always wanted for the series, calling Shenmue 3 a "more hardcore game."

Nintendo has announced that Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen, the expanded version of the game that originally was released back in 2012, is coming to Switch. This follows the PS4 and Xbox One ports in 2014 and the still trucking Dragon's Dogma Online that's still currently only available in Japan.

While the trailer is mostly stuff we've seen before, we do have a release date of April 23 and a price of $29.99. If you haven't played it yet get on that? It's a pretty fantastic open world romp with some great boss fights and a lot of (good) quirks as Dark Arisen ironed out many of the bad ones.

To add fuel to the fire, Hideaki Itsuno, director of Dragon's Dogma and Devil May Cry 5, says he's gearing up for his next project. Dragon's Dogma 2?